Major Controversies Surrounding Tom Brady: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Tom Brady—discover key moments of controversy.

Tom Brady is a retired American football quarterback, widely considered the greatest of all time. He played 23 seasons in the NFL, leading the New England Patriots for 20 years and contributing significantly to their dynasty. He concluded his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His accomplishments include numerous Super Bowl wins and records, solidifying his legendary status in the sport.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1933: Securities Act of 1933 Extends to Social Media

In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media. The Act was first introduced in 1933.

2001: Beginning of Relationship with Trump

In an interview on The Howard Stern Show in April 2020, Brady explained that Trump had reached out to him to speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention, and he declined. Brady said he has known Trump since 2001.

May 6, 2015: NFL Publishes Report on Deflategate

On May 6, 2015, the NFL published a 243-page report concluding that Tom Brady was likely aware of intentional deflation of footballs used in the previous season's AFC Championship Game.

2015: Brady's Suspension Vacated

In 2015, Judge Richard M. Berman vacated Tom Brady's four-game suspension, allowing him to play in the first four games of the 2015 NFL season, citing the NFL's failure to provide proper notice of the charges.

2015: Allegations of Data Deletion and False Numbers in Deflategate

In 2015, it was revealed that NFL general counsel Jeff Pash ordered the deletion of PSI data from the 2015 season. Leaked transcripts revealed that NFL senior VP of football operations Dave Gardi used false numbers in his letter to the Patriots, leading to the team's investigation. It was also revealed that crucial factors were not accounted for during the testing of footballs, suggesting flawed procedures.

2015: NFL Appeals Decision to Vacate Brady's Suspension

On March 3, 2016, the NFL appealed Judge Richard M. Berman's 2015 decision to vacate Tom Brady's four-game suspension in the Deflategate scandal.

2016: Trump's Claims of Brady's Support

During a 2016 political event, Donald Trump claimed he received a call from Tom Brady, who expressed his support and stated he voted for Trump. This claim was followed by Brady's wife denying support and Brady limiting political discussion after a "Make America Great Again" cap was seen in his locker.

2016: Concussion Concerns

In 2016, Gisele Bündchen mentioned in an interview that Tom Brady suffered from concussions, raising concerns about his health. The NFL responded that they had no records indicating Brady suffered a head injury or concussion during the 2016 season.

2016: Brady's Suspension Reinstated and Accepted

In 2016, Tom Brady's four-game suspension was reinstated by the U.S. Appeals Court. After further appeals were denied, Brady announced he would accept the suspension for the first four regular season games of the 2016 season.

2016: Suspension in 2016

In 2016, Tom Brady's streak of consecutive starts ended due to suspension.

2016: Declining RNC Offer

In an interview on The Howard Stern Show in April 2020, Tom Brady explained that Donald Trump had reached out to him to speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention, and he declined, saying, "It was uncomfortable for me because you can't undo things, not that I would undo a friendship, but political support is totally different than the support of a friend."

2017: Absence from White House Visit

In 2017, Tom Brady did not join the Patriots in visiting President Donald Trump at the White House, citing "personal family matters."

April 2020: Howard Stern Interview

In an interview on The Howard Stern Show in April 2020, Tom Brady explained that Donald Trump had reached out to him to speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention, which he declined. Brady stated that he has known Trump since 2001.

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2020: Torn MCL Injury

In 2020, Tom Brady played with a torn MCL in his knee that required surgery. The NFL declined to comment on the Buccaneers' failure to disclose this injury at the time.

February 2022: NFL Falsified Deflategate Data

In February 2022, sportswriter Mike Florio revealed that the NFL falsified data and hid information in the Deflategate scandal, which would have cleared Tom Brady and the Patriots of wrongdoing. This information was revealed in his book Playmakers: How the NFL Really Works (And Doesn't).

Playmakers: How the NFL Really Works (And Doesn't)

Check it on Amazon

February 2022: U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling

In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.

2022: Distancing from Trump

In 2022, Tom Brady stated that he had not spoken with Donald Trump in "years" and that their relationship had been mischaracterized.

2023: FTX Investment Loss

In 2023, it was reported that Tom Brady owned 1 million shares in FTX and he and his wife lost an estimated combined value of $45 million when FTX went bankrupt.